Friday, February 22, 2008

I thought they couldn't possibly jam him with any more tubes, but this morning when I returned from a night at home I found Levi sporting a fresh one down his nose and one in his chest on the left-hand side, nicely complementing the one on the right. They're trying to drain off the fluid he continues to retain and, possibly, start feeding him whatever you can cram through a millimeter-width tube going down your nose.

They've pulled back his oxygen to 45 percent, and his sats are staying in the 90s. The nurse said they'll hopefully keep weaning him off the O2 today and tackle the nitrix after that. They're also starting him on Viagra (for his lungs, of course, what were you thinking?)

All told, he's doing well. He's been opening his eyes, and they said when they put the chest tube in last night he was mouthing words. Whatever he said, I doubt it was complimentary, but he seems to be resting pretty well over all.

A shout out to the ones who have been caring for us so well while we're living in the ICU. Our family has been fantastic—groceries in the fridge, laundry done and the rest of our brood taken care of. Thanks also to those of you who have brought us food in the hospital and constantly inquired to see if there is anything you can do. It is wonderful to have such a great support system and know so many of you have our backs.

And for those of you who have been taking time to pray for us, holding prayer services and sending messages of scripture and encouragement, I can't tell you have many times in the past week and a half I've felt too tired or sad to pray and I've just had the sense of being carried and covered by the prayers going up for us around the clock, around the world. We love you all.

7 comments:

Anonymous
said...

Dear Larisa & Matt, we've been holding Levi up in our prayers since Day One. We're so glad to hear of his improvement. We just keep thanking our Father that He is hearing and answering our prayers, and that He cares MORE for each of us than we do ourselves. (We're praying for you parents too!) So anxious to hear that little Levi is back to his winning smile. We are anxious to meet him, and his brothers too one of these days!

Since I learned of this site a few days ago, I've been trying to leave a comment. It kept telling me I had an incorrect password. So today I tried the other approach.

I don't know how it is in the USA, but in The Netherlands (Holland) they often say, "If God only would show us a miracle, it would be much easier to believe in a God”.I am convinced miracles happen all the time, you just must (want to) see it.

we are thrilled to hear of each improvement, and so encouraged by the great care your medical team seems to be taking to get you well. we pray for you so often, and today landon was asking if you were still sick. i know it won't be long til i can tell him you're all better! we love you very, very much. have a blessed and happy day of rest.

Larisa after reading your post today, I couldn't help but remember we had female pastor one time tell us when her son was mugged and left to die and left severely injured that while he was in the ICU fighting for his life, she too felt as if she had no strength to call on God's name. Others gathered around her and held her and her son up in prayer. Others have gathered to do the same for you and Levi and your family. I know I feel so blessed to know you and your entire beautiful family. (even though I haven't met everyone yet) When doing my devotion yesterday I thought of you and Matt I'll share the scripture for you...Isaiah 30:18 says in the NIV version..."But the Lord still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them."I continue to pray each day.BETH H.

Dear Larisa & Matt,While I was playing the piano just a few minutes ago I came across the song 'The Prayer Perfect'...I thought the words might be of some comfort for your current circumstances. Dear Lord! Kind Lord! Gracious Lord! I pray...Thou wilt look on all I love...Tenderly today! Weed their hearts of weariness, Scatter every care...Down a wake of Angel-wings...Winnowing the air. Bring unto the sorrowing...All release from pain; Let the lips of laughter...Overflow again; And with all the needy, O divide, I pray, This vast treasure of content...That is mine today!

Levi's Memory Verse this week is "I will...sing about the Lord's Love." Ps 89:1 The message of his lesson this week is: I thank God for taking good care of me.

We pray that you will have peace, especially during the hours of the Sabbath.With love and prayers, Milton & Ann

Matt/Larisa---Levi is getting better!---Awesome news!---Being on 45% o2 after all he's gone thru this week is incredible to me---and feeding !---I am so encouraged---God Is Great!---We continue to thank God for the miracle He is performing in Levi's life---I'm so glad to have met him and look forward to seeing him back on his Bike at David and Donna's soon.--God Bless---John/Maury

I am so glad to hear that Levi's oxygen sats. continue to stay in the 90s as they wean his O2. As we continue to pray, we will be sure to ask God to continue to comfort Levi in a way that only God can. I am also praying for strength and peace for you and your family. With many prayers and fond thoughts,Lynn Lange and family